The CDN $250 000 Cup & Saucer Stakes came off on Sunday at Woodbine Racetrack in the Etobicoke area of Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Veteran Barbadian jockey Patrick Husbands guided his mount to second by a nose, but he ultimately won via disqualification.
Husbands finished second aboard Scorching, behind Ashley’s Archer in the 1 1/16-mile EP Taylor turf route for Canadian-foaled 2-year-olds.
Coming from the outside post, Kokomo set the early tone in the field of 10. Scorching stalked the leader, whilst No Time and Dilwaala settled in behind the pacesetters. Ashley’s Archer came along the rail in fifth under Sofia Vives.
Ahead by two lengths at the quarter in :23.26, Kokomo continued to run unfettered on the front, followed by Dilwaala and No Time, while the dark bay colt Scorching, tucked in along the rail, dropped into fourth.
Kokomo was still on top through a half in :46.53, upping his advantage to 2½ lengths over Scorching, as others, including the favoured Dewolf and No Time looked to make inroads on the frontrunner heading into the turn for home.
Scorching hit the front early in the stretch, with Dewolf making a challenge. Ashley’s Archer came between the two around the three-sixteenths pole while bumping with Ready for Candy. Ashley’s Archer kicked on to win in 1:42.69.
But the race was not to be decided simply by the finish.
A steward’s inquiry determined that Ashley’s Archer had impeded Ready for Candy, bumping the apparent winner down to fifth, promoting Scorching to the top spot, Dewolf to second, No Time third, and Ready for Candy fourth.
“We got a long, straight run,” said Husbands. “With these babies, you’ve just got a little patient. The last six or seven strides he was on the wobbly side, but he tried. He’s more like an older horse. He’s very smart, very intelligent.”
It was the second straight stakes victory for the son of Mo Town out of the Consolidator mare Samsal after landing top prize in the Simcoe Stakes on August 25 at Woodbine.
Scorching debuted over 5½ furlongs on the Woodbine main track on July 19, finishing second at 35-1.
(TF)
